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Erdosteine in children and adults with bronchiectasis (BETTER trial): study protocol for a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trialBronchiectasis is a worldwide chronic lung disorder where exacerbations are common. It affects people of all ages, but especially Indigenous populations in high-income nations. Despite being a major contributor to chronic lung disease, there are no licensed therapies for bronchiectasis and there remain relatively few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in children and adults.
Research
Lung structural and functional impairments in young children with cystic fibrosis diagnosed following newborn screening – A nationwide observational studyNon-invasive and sensitive clinical endpoints are needed to monitor onset and progression of early lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We compared lung clearance index (LCI), FEV1, functional and structural lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes in Swiss children with CF diagnosed following newborn screening.
Research
Antenatal creatine supplementation reduces persistent fetal lung inflammation and oxidative stress in an ovine model of chorioamnionitisChorioamnionitis is a common antecedent of preterm birth and induces inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs. Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetal lungs may improve respiratory outcomes in preterm infants. Creatine is an organic acid with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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Major grant supports innovative infant lung health studyA ground-breaking global clinical trial to improve the lifelong lung health of children born extremely prematurely has been awarded a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) International Clinical Trials Collaborations Grant totalling almost $3 million.

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Perron grants help give researchers wingsValuable support from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation will enable The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers to commence projects on topics ranging from disability, mental health and lung disease to diabetes, Aboriginal leadership, and the development of child-focused pandemic policies.

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Pre-term kids get green light to exerciseParents of children born prematurely have expressed concerns about their child’s lung health when they exercise, with symptoms such as breathlessness.

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Community partnership sets priorities for preterm lung health researchRespiratory disease remains one of the most significant complications of preterm birth, with lasting consequences.
Research
Complete genome sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteriophage Karil-mokiny-1Burkholderia cepacia complex causes life-threatening respiratory infections. Here, a bacteriophage with activity against B. cenocepacia was isolated from wastewater. It has a genome size of 70,144 bp and has the taxonomic classification Irusalimvirus. It has no genes associated with lysogeny, bacterial resistance, or virulence.

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Government grants to support valuable new child health researchEight The Kids Research Institute Australia-led projects will benefit from the latest round of WA Child Research Fund (WACRF) grants, announced this week by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson.
Research
Stiffness Mediated-Mechanosensation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells on Linear Stiffness Gradient HydrogelsIn obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein amount and composition of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) is often remodelled, likely altering tissue stiffness. The underlying mechanism of how human ASM cell (hASMC) mechanosenses the aberrant microenvironment is not well understood.